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 THE WHITE ATTIRE AFFAIR HISTORY

1999-2015

In 1997 Abdur-Rahim Briggs found out his twin brother was diagnosed with HIV. Within a couple of years later, with infection rates continuing to grow within the African-American community. Mr. Briggs channeled his pain into positive energy and wanted to give back to the community. With the support of a few friends near and far,  he created the annual “White Party” was born out of his backyard with 151 people in attendance. 

As attendance of the event quickly outgrew the barbeque fundraiser  it was meant to be. Mr. Briggs asked for additional support. That support led to the formation of the Ummah Endowment Fund from 2002-2007, the creation of Al Sura, Inc. 2008-2016 and now Project Briggs, Inc. which was formed April 10, 2016 to expand its scope and services to assist with urban projects and initiatives. History will continue, not as the White Attire Affair.......but will be introduced to a new generation as "The Project White Event" going forward.

White Attire Affair History: The Early Years!

1999 - White Party - 151 people in Washington DC at a backyard  barbeque. They wore white as a symbol of unity to raise awareness and funds to help fight HIV/AIDS. Held at the private home of Andrew Harris.

2000 - White Party - Held in Washington DC at a backyard  barbeque at the private home of Andrew Harris. Proceeds benefitting Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc. to raise funds to help fight HIV/AIDS. Transcript of Speech by Abdur-Rahim Briggs, "US Helping US Plant the Seeds".

2001 - White Party - Held in Washington DC at a backyard barbeque at the private home of K.C. Ortiz. Proceeds benefitting Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc. to raise funds to help fight HIV/AIDS.

The first three White parties were held in the private homes of Andrew Harris (1999-2000) and KC Ortiz (2001) as the attendance grew every year. Today the event is known as the White Attire Affair, and every July thousands of men, women and youth travel to Washington, DC for an evening of live entertainment, eclectic food and HIV/AIDS awareness.

2002 - White Attire Affair The Warner Building - Theme: “A Sunset Fantasy" - Presented by The Ummah Endowment Fund, Inc.

2003 - White Attire Affair The Ronald Reagan Building - Theme: “A Mask in White” - Presented by The Ummah Endowment Fund, Inc.

2004 - White Attire Affair Andrew Mellon Auditorium - Theme: “Ummah Carnivale” - Presented by The Ummah Endowment Fund, Inc.

2005 - White Attire Affair Club Zanzibar - Theme: “A Return to Elegance” - Presented by The Ummah Endowment Fund, Inc.

2006 - White Attire Affair The Ronald Reagan Building  - Theme: “Models of Perfection Always Tested Always Aware” - Presented by the Ummah Endowment Fund, Inc.

2007 - White Attire Affair The Ronald Reagan Building - Theme: “007 the Mission: Awareness Never Dies. Get Tested" - Presented by The Ummah Edowment Fund, Inc.

White Attire Affair: The Al Sura, Inc. Years

2008 - The Annual White Attire Affair went on hiatus and re-emerged as a copyrighted event owned and managed under new leadership. Al Sura, Inc. is now the owner as well as the planning, organizing and hosting entity of the Annual White Attire Affair. The Foundation was created and is enthusiastically led by Al Sura Board Chairman, Abdur-Rahim Briggs.

2009 - White Attire Affair The Onxy private residence - Theme: "The Experience." - Presented by Al Sura, Inc.

2010 - White Attire Affair Longview Gallery - Theme: "The Garden of Envy - Envy Me". - Presented by Al Sura, Inc.

2011 - White Attire Affair Doubletree Hotel - Theme: "Oasis: Pure Love, Pure Joy, Pure Life"! - Presented by Al Sura, Inc.

2012 - White Attire Affair L'Enfant Plaza Hotel - Theme: "Diamonds & Pearls" - Presented by Al Sura, Inc.

2013 - White Attire Affair at L'Enfant Plaza Hotel - Presented by Al Sura, Inc.

2014 - The Annual White Attire Affair went on hiatus and re-emerged July 18, 2015. Al Sura, Inc. 

2015 - White Attire Affair - "It's a Family Reunion. The event makes its triumphant return (for the 15th time!) and took place Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the historic Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage.

 

Xscape II White: Project Briggs, Inc.

2018 -Project Briggs, Inc formed in April 2016 for the purpose to provide leadership, improve capacity building, communication, promote and to assist urban projects through innovative fundraising activities and advocacy in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. "Xscape II White" will be held annually as a symbol and celebration of the organization's work in the community throughout the year.

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